Education is more than just a basic human right – it’s a cornerstone of personal development, economic growth, and societal progress. Which is why on January 24 each year, the world unites to celebrate the International Day of Education.
The International Day of Education 2025 isa day for emphasising the importance of education, the transformative power of learning and its critical role in shaping a sustainable future.
The theme of this year’s Day of Education is AI and education. It encourages us all to reflect on the power of education to equip people and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.
The day is also about considering the impact of AI on global education challenges, and how we preserve, redefine and elevate human agency at a time when technology is advancing so rapidly.
The International Day of Education aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs – specifically Sustainable Development Goal 4: to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all by 2030.
Despite global efforts to achieve these goals, challenges persist, and the International Day of Education serves as a reminder of the work that remains to achieve education for all.
What is the International Day of Education?
Established by the United Nations in 2018, the International Day of Education highlights the critical importance of education in promoting peace, economic development, and social equity.
It also serves as a platform to amplify discussions about barriers to education and innovative solutions to address them.
Why is education essential?
- It lifts people out of poverty by providing better economic opportunities.
- It fosters equality by empowering marginalised groups.
- It is foundational for achieving the other UN Sustainable Development Goals including gender equality and reduced inequalities.
Key facts about education worldwide:
- More than 244 million children and young people are out of school globally.
- Over 600 million children who attend school are unable to achieve basic literacy and numeracy.
- Education contributes directly to a 10% increase in earning potential for every additional year of schooling.
How to celebrate the International Day of Education 2025
There are many ways to recognise and contribute to the goals of International Day of Education. You might want to try one (or all) of the below:
- Learn and share: Use this day to educate yourself and others about global education challenges and the importance of SDG 4.
- Raise awareness: Share statistics, stories, and insights on social media using hashtags like #EducationForAll and #SDG4.
- Engage in discussions: Join online or local events focusing on education advocacy and solutions.
- Support policy changes: Advocate for educational reforms that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
Education and sustainable development
The Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) is dedicated to ensuring access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education for everyone. Because education isn’t just about going to school; it is about creating lifelong learners equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s world.
Key targets of SDG 4 include:
- Ensuring all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
- Increasing access to affordable technical, vocational, and higher education.
- Promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
- Eliminating gender disparities in education and ensuring equal access for marginalised groups.
SDG 4 underscores the belief that education is essential for creating a sustainable and equitable world.
At Hope and Homes for Children, we share that belief. Which is why we’re working tirelessly to address the systemic issues that stop children – especially children at risk of being put in orphanages and other institutions – from accessing education and having a stable family environment.
Global challenges in education
While education is recognised as a fundamental right, millions of children and young people are facing barriers that prevent them from accessing or completing their education, including :
- Poverty: Families are struggling to meet basic needs and often cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or books.
- Conflict and displacement: Wars and crises are disrupting the education of millions, leaving children without access to schools.
- Gender inequality: In many parts of the world, girls are being excluded from education due to cultural, economic and societal factors.
- Institutional care: Children in orphanages or institutional care are often deprived of quality education due to neglect, instability and lack of resources.
These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly children separated from their families or living in extreme poverty.
Hope and Homes for Children works to reunite families and remove children from institutional care, helping them thrive both academically and emotionally in a stable family environment.
The connection between education and family stability
Research consistently shows that children in stable, loving families are more likely to succeed academically. This is because families frequently provide the emotional and social support that’s needed to foster a positive learning environment, helping children thrive in school and beyond.
For children separated from their families, access to education often becomes a secondary priority. Addressing this issue requires systemic changes to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to both education and a supportive family environment.
At Hope and Homes for Children we’re at the forefront of advocating for family-based care which directly improves children’s access to education and ensures their well-being.
Education is a path to a sustainable future
Education plays a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future by addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Here’s how education contributes to a better world:
- It boosts productivity and innovation, driving economic growth.
- It reduces inequalities by empowering marginalised communities.
- It fosters an understanding of sustainable practices and climate action.
- It improves health and well-being: Educated individuals are more likely to make informed health decisions, reducing mortality rates and improving quality of life.
Education transforms lives, creates opportunities, and builds stronger communities. As the world faces ever more complex challenges, investing in education helps equip future generations to address them effectively.
So this International Day of Education, let’s reaffirm our commitment to achieving SDG 4 and making education a reality for all. By ensuring quality education for every child, we’re all doing our bit to build a future that is brighter, fairer and more sustainable.
